Leonard E. DesJardins

New London-"Good Morning!" Leonard E. DesJardins, 90, of New London, devoted husband of Rachel A. DesJardins (Magnant), entered eternal life Wednesday, April 17, 2013. The son of Adolphe and Yvonne (Benoit) DesJardins, he was born on April 14, 1923 and grew up in the small town of Putnam, CT. He was an eagle scout and later was scout master in Putnam with the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting was the passion of his life. Leonard was a U.S. veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Navy as a medic aboard a hospital ship in the South Pacific from 1942-1946 and also, in the U.S. Naval Reserve during the Korean War. In 1947, he married Rachel, his hometown sweetheart with whom he recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. In 1985, Leonard was retired from Windham Hospital in Willimantic, CT, where he was employed as a laboratory technician and blood bank director for 32 years. Leonard enjoyed the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, fishing, bird watching (especially hummingbirds), gardening, camping, and boating. He also enjoyed rebuilding some of Eastern Connecticut's stone walls and loved reading and indulging in chocolates. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Flyers and enjoyed each season of UConn Basketball. The highlight of his retirement was a trip to Europe with his wife, Rachel. Leonard was predeceased by his youngest son, Philip DesJardins in March 2013. He is survived by his wife, Rachel, his children, Alice Sherriff, Denise DesJardins, and Judy DesJardins, all of New London, David DesJardins of Chaplin, CT, Emilie Krogrud of Palm Bay, FL, and Laura DesJardins of Richmond, Virginia, 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Theresa Mathurin of Brooklyn, CT. There are no calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph's Church, New London, CT, on April 24, 2013 at 11:00 am. A private burial will take place in Putnam, CT. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, New London is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information Donations in Leonard's name may be made to Boy Scouts of America, CT Rivers Council, 60 Darling St, East Hartford, CT 06108 or Center for Hospice Care, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.